Capital Circus Embarks on a Journey to Cirque du Soleil Headquarters and the National Circus School!

Here in Ottawa at Capital Circus, we are always looking for ways to inspire and elevate our young performers, and what better way to do so than by exploring the world of professional circus arts? On March 14, 2024, our talented group of circus artists had the incredible opportunity to visit two of the most prestigious circus institutions in the world: Cirque du Soleil Headquarters and the National Circus School in Montreal.
Behind the Curtain at Cirque du Soleil!
Our journey began at the renowned Cirque du Soleil Headquarters, a place where creativity and innovation come to life. From the moment our group arrived at 10:30 AM, there was an air of excitement. The casting team kindly guided us, and former top end artist and now Casting Manager, Taras Shevchenko, led an amazing tour that left our kids and parents with smiles on their faces.
With a guided tour starting at 11:00 AM, our young performers got a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Cirque du Soleil’s world-class productions come together. Taras led our team with dedication, humour and passion, answering all our questions. From costume and set design to training spaces and rehearsal areas, every corner of the headquarters was filled with artistic magic and dedication.
One of the most exciting parts of the visit was the chance to dine at the same cafeteria where Cirque du Soleil artists and staff refuel their creativity. This small yet meaningful experience gave our group a taste of the professional circus lifestyle.
A Glimpse into the Future at the National Circus School
Following our visit to Cirque du Soleil, we made our way across the street to the prestigious National Circus School, where many of today’s top performers hone their craft. At 1:30 PM, our tour began, offering an inside look at the rigorous training and dedication required to become a professional circus artist. The state of the art facilities, inspiring instructors and rich history of the school left our young participants motivated and in awe.
A Day of Inspiration and Dreams
Throughout the day, our young circus enthusiasts had the opportunity to witness firsthand the level of passion, perseverance and creativity that goes into making world class performances. This trip was more than just a tour – it was a chance to dream bigger, push boundaries and imagine themselves as the next generation of circus artists.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cirque du Soleil, especially the Casting Team and personally Taras for organizing this tour and to the National Circus School for welcoming us and sharing their expertise. We also appreciate the support of our dedicated parents and head coach who made this experience possible.
As we return to our training at Capital Circus, we carry with us new inspiration and motivation. Who knows? Perhaps the next Cirque du Soleil star is already among us, training in our very own community!
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and keep reaching for the stars – both in the air and beyond!

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